Portable tank wastewater treatment system and method

ABSTRACT

A portable wastewater treatment system comprising a wastewater holding tank having an interior adapted to hold wastewater, and a generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the holding tank. In one embodiment, the holding tank comprises a gray-water tank, and the system further comprises a non-potable water tank having an interior. In this embodiment, the system further includes a second generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the non-potable water tank and a conduit coupling the gray-water tank to the non-potable water tank. The system can further include a black-water tank having an interior, a third generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the black-water tank, and a conduit coupling the black-water tank to the non-potable water tank. The system can further include a toilet having an inlet and an outlet, a first conduit coupling the non-potable water tank to the inlet of the toilet, and a second conduit coupling the outlet to the black-water tank. The system can also include a potable water tank, a point of water usage coupled to the potable water tank, and a fourth generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the potable water tank.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 10/930,148 filed on Aug. 31, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/503,033 filed Sep. 15, 2003. In addition,this application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.10/764,245 filed on Jan. 23, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/442,446 filed Jan. 25, 2003. All of theprior applications listed in this paragraph are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to septic systems and to the componentsthat make up such systems. More particularly, it relates to an improvedmethod and apparatus for remediating the formation of a bio-mat that canoccur in the absorption field component of a private on-site wastewatertreatment system.

Septic systems and septic system components are well known in the art.Such systems are typically found in relatively sparsely populated areasnot otherwise serviced by municipal waste water systems. The purpose ofa septic system is to dispose of the wastewater that is generated by theoccupants of a home or other building in such a manner that surroundingsoils can be used to disperse the wastewater without causing an adverseeffect on ground water and, in turn, on public health and theenvironment in general. To accomplish this task, septic systems arenormally comprised of a septic tank, a distribution system and aleaching system.

The septic tank is connected to the plumbing of a home or building bymeans of a sewer line. The septic tank provides a holding area for thesettling of waste solids and for some initial treatment of the waste.Generally, septic tanks have baffles to slow the velocity of the liquidmoving through the tank and to prevent solids from leaving the tank. Inthis way, properly functioning septic tanks produce an effluent offairly uniform quality.

The effluent then moves to a distribution system that directs the flowof effluent from the septic tank to the leaching system in such a manneras to fully utilize the leaching system. Most systems take advantage ofgravity, meaning that flow runs through piping and distribution boxeswithout the assistance of any mechanical device such as a pump.

The leaching system disperses the sewage effluent over a givenunderground area and into the surrounding natural soils. There areseveral types of leaching systems and the specific type used oftendepends on the surrounding soil conditions. Most residential leachingsystems use stone filled leaching trenches but galleries, pits, and bedshave also been used.

In the experience of this inventor, private on-site wastewater treatmentsystems have finite lifetimes due to many factors including householdwater use, excessive introduction of chemicals into the waste stream,poor maintenance, and environmental factors. Replacement of any septicsystem component that may be required to deal with remediation of theentire system can be extremely expensive. The reason for this is thefact that the septic system components, for the most part, are buriedunderground as previously described and are largely inaccessible.

A very significant factor is that passive septic systems typically relyon the presence of indigenous anaerobic bacteria to break down the solidwaste introduced to the system. As solid waste enters the septic tank,it flows through the series of baffles that are designed to reduce thevelocity of the flow as previously described. Generally, threeidentifiable layers occur in a septic tank. First, as designed, solidwastes precipitate out of the flow to the bottom of the septic tank.This layer is generally known as sludge. Liquid effluent is theintermediate layer and generally consists of liquids and solidspartially broken down into liquids by the anaerobic bacteria that arepresent in the septic tank. This intermediate layer is drained off tothe absorption field. The top layer in the septic tank is generallyknown as the scum layer. The scum layer is comprised of mostly residualdetergents, soaps, fats and oils and has a tendency to float at the topof the septic tank. Optimally, the septic tank is designed such thatonly the partially treated liquid effluent is permitted to leave theseptic tank for the absorption field. Unfortunately, this is not alwaysthe case.

The standard septic system is passive in that it relies on the presenceof indigenous anaerobic bacteria to break down the solid wastesintroduced into the system. Anaerobic bacteria thrive in conditions suchas those that exist at the bottom of a septic system, where oxygen islacking. Accordingly, septic systems are designed to have the capacityto treat a certain amount of solid wastes based on the capability of theindigenous bacteria to break down the solid waste over a certain periodof time. Therefore, the average amount of solid waste produced per dayshould be approximately equal to the amount that the anaerobic bacteriacan break down in one day.

Aerobic bacteria are also indigenous and occur naturally within thewaste stream. Aerobic bacteria, however, exist and function only whereoxygen is present. While aerobic bacteria typically break down solidwastes more quickly than anaerobic bacteria, they are ineffective atbreaking down sludge, or the solid layer at the bottom of the septictank, because there is no oxygen present in that layer. Due to increasedinstallation and operating costs, aerobic systems that would otherwiseeliminate this sludge layer are not favored for home use.

As anaerobic bacteria digest solids suspended in the effluent as theymake their way to the absorption field or in the absorption field, thesuspended solids and accompanying bacteria are then deposited at theinterface between the absorption field and the soil surrounding thesystem. This layer is known as the “bio-mat” and it performs furtherfiltering of the effluent. Unfortunately, the bio-mat layer can grow toa thickness where it completely, or almost completely, impedesabsorption.

While there are many ways in which septic systems can fail, two of themost likely modes of failure include the creation and thickening of abio-mat layer at the absorption field component of the system due to thedecomposition of solids within the effluent. Excess sludge and scum fromthe septic tank can also build up in this bio-mat. For example, when therate of decomposition caused by the anaerobic bacteria is incapable ofkeeping up with rate of solids draining into the system, the septic tankfills with sludge. As the sludge level gets higher, the scum level atthe top of the tank takes up more space. This causes the liquid effluentto run through the septic tank more quickly, which prevents solids fromsettling. The solids that fail to settle in the septic tank proceed tothe absorption system, where they frequently plug the pores in the soilused for absorption. The scum layer can also find its way out of theseptic tank and similarly prevents soil absorption. And if too much ofthe absorption field is plugged by scum and solids, the effluent willactually back up in the absorption area and cause muddy spots in thearea above the absorption field. This is a sign that the absorptionfield has failed, an extremely malodorous and unsightly condition.

As alluded to earlier, replacement of soil absorption systems isfrighteningly costly and heavily regulated by states, counties andmunicipalities due to the threat that malfunctioning systems pose to thegroundwater. Replacement systems are very expensive, with the actualexpense depending on the condition of other components in the septicsystem. Some owners chose to convert their existing passive system to anactive system, an even more costly endeavor. Another possible option isto create an above-grade soil absorption system. Above grade systemsalso have operating—and maintenance expenses and those are even greaterthan passive systems. Holding tanks are frequently the option of lastresort as they are also expensive and need to be regularly pumped by acommercial contractor.

Frequently, a failing or failed soil absorption system can be remediatedwith the support of naturally occurring aerobic bacteria in the system.In theory, an aerobic system could eliminate or substantially reduce thefailure rate of an absorption-field. Unfortunately, aerobic bacteriaalso require the introduction of oxygen into the waste stream. Thisinventor has previously identified a need for a temporary means forintroducing oxygen into a failed or failing soil absorption field forthe purpose of converting the biochemical process from an anaerobic oneto an aerobic one. In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/764,245, thisinventor disclosed that a forced introduction of oxygen into the systemwould allow the aerobic bacteria to scour the bio-mat, thereby workingto reduce the thickness and/or increase the permeability of the bio-matand permit the system to revert back to an anaerobic passive system asoriginally designed. There is also a need to alter the biochemicalprocess by conversion of the complete soil absorption component or alocalized area of it.

This inventor has also found that the forced introduction of ozone gascan improve performance of the remediation process disclosed above.Ozone, also known as triatomic oxygen or O₃, is itself a powerfuloxidizing agent. In nature, ozone is created when the electrical currentof lightning transforms diatomic oxygen molecules, or O₂, into activatedtriatomic oxygen, or O₃. Ozone, however, is also an unstable gas which,at normal temperatures and under all ordinary conditions, spontaneouslydecomposes to diatomic oxygen or O₂. This decomposition is speeded bysolid surfaces and by many chemical substances. For this reason, ozoneis not encountered except in the immediate vicinity of where it isformed. That is, ozone cannot be stored and must be generated on-site.When ozone is introduced into the system, some of the highly oxidizingagent decomposes bio-degradable matter in the system. The balance of theavailable ozone rapidly decomposes to oxygen and is available forconsumption by the aerobic bacteria.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a portable wastewater treatment systemcomprising a wastewater holding tank having an interior adapted to holdwastewater, and a generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or acombination of the two to the interior of the holding tank. In oneembodiment, the holding tank comprises a gray-water tank, and the systemfurther comprises a non-potable water tank having an interior. In thisembodiment, the system further includes a second generator positioned toprovide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior ofthe non-potable water tank and a conduit coupling the gray-water tank tothe non-potable water tank. The system can further include a black-watertank having an interior, a third generator positioned to provide ozone,oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of the black-watertank, and a conduit coupling the black-water tank to the non-potablewater tank. The system can further include a toilet having an inlet andan outlet, a first conduit coupling the non-potable water tank to theinlet of the toilet, and a second conduit coupling the outlet to theblack-water tank. The system can also include a potable water tank, apoint of water usage coupled to the potable water tank, and a fourthgenerator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of thetwo to the potable water tank.

The above system can be used to treat wastewater in a portable system,such as might be found in a vehicle or portable restrooms.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical private wastewater treatmentsystem of the type that the method and apparatus of the presentinvention could be used with.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the components of an apparatusconstructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a graph of ponded effluent depth versus elapsed time in atypical application using the method and apparatus of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a portable tank wastewater treatmentsystem with optional water recycling.

FIG. 7 is the system of FIG. 6 implemented in a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings.

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numbers refer to likeelements throughout. FIG. 1 illustrates a septic system, generallyidentified 10 with which the improved apparatus and method of thepresent invention is intended to be used. It is to be understood,however, that the precise configuration of the improved system is not alimitation of the present invention and could assume any number of sizesand layouts. The septic system 10 shown is for illustration purposesonly. A six foot tall man 4 is included for relative size reference aswell.

As shown in FIG. 3, the septic system 10 lies, for the most part, belowearth grade 2. The system 10 includes a pipe 12 leading from a home orbuilding (not shown) which pipe 12 is connected to a first septic tank14. The first tank 14 may or may not have a vented cover. As shown, thefirst tank 14 includes a riser 16. The first tank 14 is, in turn,connected to a second tank 18. This second tank 18 may or may not have avented cover as well. As shown, the second tank 18 includes a riser 20and a vent 21. As will become apparent later in this detaileddescription, if either the first or second tanks 14, 18 do not have avented cover atop of 16, 20, respectively, one may need to be added inorder to utilize the apparatus of the present invention. This secondtank 18 may also be a pumping chamber. It should also be noted that thesecond tank 18 lies slightly below the first tank 14 such that gravityaffects a downstream flow of effluent from one tank to the other.

The second tank 18 is, in turn, connected to a dry well or seepage pit22. The dry well or seepage pit 22 includes a vent 24. An alternate to adry well or seepage pit 22 is an absorption field 26 or an above grademound system (not shown). The absorption field 26 may include adistribution box 28 and a vent 30. The distribution box 28 of theabsorption field 26 may or may not include a distribution box riser 32and a distribution box vent 34. Again for reasons that will becomeapparent later in this detailed description, a distribution box riser 32will likely need to be added to the system 10 if one is not alreadyincluded. As shown in FIG. 3, it will be shown that the downward flow ofeffluent is affected by gravity. Alternatively, the effluent can bemoved by a positive pressure pump to the soil distribution component ofthe system.

In general, the improved apparatus of the present invention is comprisedof at least one high volume ozone-generating pump 40 connected to atleast one low pressure drop sintered air stone 60. The air stone 60 hasa relatively large surface area, See FIG. 4. The pumps 40 and allinternal electrical connections are packaged in a weatherproof container42. The external electrical connection 44 is connected via an extensioncord to a circuit breaker or may be permanently hardwired to anelectrical junction box. The pumps 40 force oxygen and ozone, or ozoneonly, into clear vinyl tubing 50, although many types of tubing areacceptable and would be within the scope of the present invention. Thetubes, or aeration lines, 50 are then connected to the air stones 60,which are placed at various locations inside the septic system 10. It isto be understood that at least one high volume ozone-generating pump 40be utilized to introduce ozone into the system. Other pumps 40 may beused with or without ozone-generating capabilities.

As shown in FIG. 1, and using the improved system illustrated therein asrepresentative of a typical system, the preferred location for theaeration lines 50 is in the vent pipe 34 of the distribution box 28, thevent pipe 24 of the dry well 22, or the vent pipe 21 of the second tankor pumping chamber 18. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, afirst pump 40 a, tubing 50 a, and air stone 60 a are used with thesecond tank 18. At that location, the first air stone 60 a and a portionof the tubing 50 a are inserted into the second tank 18 via the tankvent 21. A second pump 40 b, tubing 50 b, and air stone 60 b are usedwith the dry well or seepage pit 22, and a third pump 40 c, tubing 50 c,and air stone 60 c are used with the distribution box 28 of theabsorption field 26. If the standing effluent level in the distributionbox 28 is not of adequate depth, an alternate location should beconsidered. If a vent pipe or well is not available at this location,one may be installed for a rather nominal cost. In most cases, thestandard vent cap can be used during remediation.

It is to be understood that the improved apparatus of the presentinvention could be installed in alternate locations. For example, theaeration lines could be installed in the final septic tank or pumpingchamber of a multiple tank system or in the septic tank in a single tanksystem immediately prior to the outlet to the soil absorption system. Asan alternate to installing through a vented cover, small holes can bedrilled through the lid of the tank or compartment and the aerationlines installed. Installation of an approved effluent filter isrecommended with this application method.

Remediation is a lengthy process. However, the improved method, andapparatus of the present invention provides some degree of immediaterelief quite quickly. Thereafter, the rate of remediation tapers offover time. Substantial remediation can occur in most systems withinabout 6 months, although other systems may require as long as one year.If, even then, the system is not completely remediated, the equipmentcan be operated for longer periods without detrimental effects to thesystem. One advantage to the use of at least one ozone-generating pump40 within the system is that the application of ozone to any medium,liquid or gas, does not add other chemicals to the system.

Depending on conditions, the introduction of ozone, approved bacteria,enzymes and vitamins may expedite the remediation process.Unfortunately, after the remediation equipment has been removed, therewill be a lag of decomposition activity while the aerobic bacteria dieand the anaerobic bacteria again takes over. Many types of bacteria areavailable for purchase which include both aerobic, and or anaerobic andor facultative that can expedite the system's return to normalcy.Addition of these products is not required in the improved method of thepresent invention but may be considered to enhance performance.

In the experience of this inventor, the length of time required toremediate a failing or failed absorption field depends on severalfactors, including, but not limited to, system type, size, severity offailure, site conditions, precipitation, and the average temperatureduring the remediation process. Several trials have been conducted thatshow the influences of these conditions. All trials showed successfulapplication of the remediation program. The trials showed little changein measured effluent in the absorption system during the first severaldays of remediation. The following weeks showed a significant drop ineffluent levels. Over time, the rate of effluent reduction decays. Rapideffluent drop near the top of the absorption system is to be expected asit is not normally used until the lower levels become plugged and theeffluent levels begin to rise. Daily specific hydraulic loading andlocal precipitation had similar effects on all systems.

In another particular application, the present invention provides foruse of one Enaly OZX-1000U ozone generator 40, two 12 inch Micro-Bubbleair stones 60, 20 feet of tubing 50, a pair of “tees”, one tube weight,a weatherproof container 42, an extension cord 44 and a UL rated groundfault circuit interrupter, or GFCI. See also FIG. 4. All electricalconnections for the generator 40 are located inside the weatherproofcontainer 42. An extension cord runs to a GFCI and then to the powersource. The generator 40 used in this embodiment of the inventionprovides an ozone output of 1000 mg/hour with a pump output of 4 to 5liters per minute, although other generators of various outputcapacities could be used. Other sizes and types of tubing 50 would alsowork equally well. Additionally, several types of air stones 60 otherthan that specified will work. The air stones 60 are attached to the endof the tubing 50 and distribute ozone more effectively to wet areas. Itwould also be possible to achieve favorable remediation by using acombination of air pumps and ozone generators 40, which combinationwould still come within the scope of the present invention.

In the opinion of this inventor, installation of the improved device ofthe present invention is relatively simple and straightforward and canfrequently be accomplished by the homeowner. The user should firstidentify the components of his or her particular septic system.Frequently, the local government or health department will haveinformation about the homeowner's septic system on file. However, as ageneral rule, home septic systems are comprised of a pipe running fromthe house to the septic tank, in some cases, a pipe running to a secondseptic tank or pumping chamber, and a typical distribution box thatsplits the effluent into several pipes going into the absorption field,as discussed above. With this configuration, there are several differentlocations in which the improved apparatus of the present invention canbe installed to eliminate excess bio-mat. The preferred location toinstall the remediation equipment is as close to the bio-mat problem aspossible. Therefore, in a septic system having a first septic tank 14, asecond septic tank or pumping chamber 18, a dry well 22 and adistribution box 28 leading to one or more absorption field vents 3D,34, the preferred location would be in the dry well or seepage pit 22. Asecondary, but still beneficial location would be to install the aeratorstone 60 in the distribution box 28. However, it would also bebeneficial to install the aerator stone 60 of the present inventionafter the second septic tank 18. Obviously, different septic systemswill require slightly different installations.

In the event that a septic system 10 does not have a vent at aconvenient location to monitor the progress of the remediation method, amonitoring well can be added to a conventional soil absorption system bydriving a “sandpoint” well point not less than 12 inches and not morethan 24 inches below the bottom of the soil absorption vent pipe 30. Thebottom of the “sandpoint” should be driven to the bottom of the soilabsorption field 26. Therefore, the effluent level in the “sandpoint”can then be monitored.

The improved remediation apparatus of the present invention should beallowed to operate for six months. If the system 10 is severely plugged,the equipment can operate for more time without damaging the septicsystem. The depth of the ponded effluent should be recorded regularly.Frequently, plotting the data on a program such as Microsoft® Excel willenable the user to predict the amount of time required for remediation.A good estimate of the required operating time can be obtained byexamining a plot of the Ponded Effluent Depth as shown in FIG. 5.Normally, treatment should continue for two months after the pondedeffluent depth stabilizes. For the system plotted in FIG. 5, the ownerof the septic system might expect to operate the system a total of 120days. The user should expect some anomalous measurements during theremediation period. For example, in FIG. 5, the ponded effluent depth inthe septic system declined for several days, remained steady, and thenrose again. This rise could be attributed to many things such asincreased water usage and precipitation.

This improved process and apparatus can also be applied to the effluentcontained in a holding tank. In this application, the effluent categorycan be changed from untreated waste to treated waste. Thisre-categorization may reduce the pumping cost associated with theholding tank. Typically, untreated waste of a holding tank must bedisposed of in a waste treatment facility. The waste treatment facilitycharges the waste hauler for this service, who in turn charges the ownerof the holding tank. Treated waste can be alternatively distributed intothe surface of the ground at less cost.

Yet another application of this improved process and equipment is inmobile and portable holding tanks. Mobile and portable holding tanks canbe found in but not limited to recreational vehicles, camping trailers,boats, etc. These holding tanks are anaerobic in nature and emit odorousmethane gases. Owners typically add chemical odor controllers containingparaformaldehyde, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (quaternaryammonium) or other disinfectants. These chemicals are toxic anddetrimental to a private on-site wastewater treatment system. Many ruralcampgrounds are serviced by private on-site wastewater treatmentsystems. Many campgrounds discourage or have banned the use of theseadditives. As alluded to earlier, the application of ozone to any mediumdoes not add any other chemicals. In this application, the naturallyoccurring aerobic bacteria can eliminate the odors of a blackwater orsewage holding tank. In fact, ozone in its gaseous state is a provendeodorizer for a variety of odorous materials. Ozone also has the provenability to convert bio-refractory organic materials to biodegradablematerials. Thus, ozone oxidation can produce wastewater with lowerconcentrations of problematic organic compounds. The equipment will keepthe holding tank significantly free of sludge build up on the sidewallsand depth sensors. Application of this improved process to the graywater holding tank will also reduce odor and sludge build up on thesidewalls and depth sensors of the holding tank. This treated gray wateris then suitable for the use of flushing the toilet.

An embodiment of the above application is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, andprovides a portable tank wastewater treatment system that may be used inmobile and portable holding tanks. Such holding tanks may be found inbut not limited to recreational vehicles 102, camping trailers, boats,portable restrooms, and non-vehicle portable restrooms. FIG. 6schematically represents a portable tank wastewater treatment system100, with which the improved apparatus and method of the presentinvention is intended to be used. It is to be understood, however, thatthe precise configuration of the improved system is not a limitation ofthe present invention and could assume any number of sizes and layouts.The portable tank wastewater treatment system 100 shown is forillustration purposes only.

The portable tank wastewater treatment system 100 includes a potablewater source 105, which may be treated with an ozone generating device106 before it is sent to a point of use 110. The point of use 110 may bea sink, shower, laundry machine, toilet, etc. After the water isexpelled from the point of use 110 it enters a grey water holding tank115.

While in the grey water holding tank 115, the water is treated with adiatomic oxygen, ozone, or a combination of the two, by a generatingdevice 116, and is separated into solids, grey water, and clear water.The clear water is released from the grey water holding tank 115 andsent to a non-potable water holding tank 125, while the solids and greywater are dumped to a wastewater treatment system 170 which may be aholding tank, wastewater facility, etc. The transfer of clear water tothe non-potable water holding tank 125 may be aided by an optional pump120. An optional filter 127 may be installed before or after the pump.

The water that is sent to the non-potable water holding tank 125 isagain treated with a diatomic oxygen and ozone, or ozone only,generating device 126 before it is used to flush a toilet 135. The watermay be pumped via an optional pump 130 to the toilet 135. An optionalfilter 131 may be installed before or after the pump. The non-potablewater holding tank 125 may additionally dump a portion of the treatedwater to a grade/daylight site 155, aided by an optional pump 150, or tothe wastewater treatment system 170, aided by an optional pump 160.

The non-potable water holding tank 125 may additionally provide water tothe potable water tank 105 via an intermediate holding tank 136. Thiscan be facilitated using optional pumps 137 and filters 138. Inaddition, to improve the quality of the water, it is preferred to treatthe water in the intermediate holding tank with oxygen, ozone, or acombination of the two.

The toilet waste is expelled from the toilet 135 to a black waterholding tank 145 where the water is again treated with a diatomic oxygenand ozone, or ozone only, generating device 146. While in the blackwater holding tank 145, the water is separated into clear water, blackwater, and solid waste. The clear water is returned to the non-potablewater holding tank 125, while the black water and solid waste is dumpedto the wastewater treatment system 170. Transfer to the non-potablewater holding tank 125 may be aided by an optional pump 140, andfiltered by an optional filter 141. Dumping to the wastewater treatmentsystem 170 may be aided by an optional pump 165.

As illustrated with respect to the first embodiment, the ozonegenerating device 106 may include an air stone similar to the air stone60 and a pump similar to pump 40. In addition, the several diatomicoxygen and ozone, or ozone only, generating devices 116, 126, and 146may also include such an air stone and pump. Also similar to the firstembodiment, the air stones may be connected to the pumps with clearvinyl tubing similar to the tubing 50.

Based on the foregoing, it will be apparent that there has been providedan improved apparatus and method for introducing oxygen and ozone, orozone only, into a failed or failing soil absorption field for thepurpose of converting the biochemical process from an anaerobic one toan aerobic one. The forced introduction of oxygen and ozone, or ozoneonly, into the system allows the aerobic bacteria to scour the bio-mat,thereby working to reduce the thickness of the bio-mat and permittingthe system to revert back to an anaerobic passive system as originallydesigned. By using, the improved method and apparatus of the presentinvention, the biochemical process is altered by complete or localizedconversion of the soil absorption component as above described. Theimproved apparatus of the present invention may seem quite simple inpractice compared to existing aerobic systems. However, the goal of thisimproved approach to remediation is value based. The idea is to providean inexpensive and effective alternative to replacing the absorptionsystem of a septic system. This has been accomplished by the improvedmethod and apparatus of the present invention.

In addition, a second embodiment provides an improved apparatus andmethod for introducing oxygen, ozone, or a combination of the two, intoa portable tank wastewater treatment system for the purpose of waterrecycling, as well as the reduction and prevention of the build up ofodorous organic material within the system. The forced introduction ofoxygen, ozone, or a combination of the two, into the system at severalkey points allows aerobic bacteria to better process the wastewater. Inaddition, ozone has proven deodorizing characteristics and reduces theamount of odorous organic compounds often found in portable wastewatertanks thus allowing a user to maintain an acceptable environment nearthe wastewater tank without the use of prohibited or discouragedchemicals.

Thus, the invention provides, among other things, an improved portabletank wastewater treatment system method and apparatus. Various featuresand advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

1. A portable wastewater treatment system comprising: a wastewaterholding tank having an interior adapted to hold wastewater, thewastewater holding tank including a gray-water tank; a non-potable watertank having an interior; a black-water tank having an interior; a firstgenerator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of thetwo to the interior of the holding tank; a second generator positionedto provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior ofthe non-potable water tank; a third generator positioned to provideozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of theblack-water tank; a conduit coupling the gray-water tank to thenon-potable water tank; and a conduit coupling the black-water tank tothe non-potable water tank.
 2. A portable wastewater treatment system asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising: a toilet having an inlet and anoutlet; a first conduit coupling the non-potable water tank to the inletof the toilet; and a second conduit coupling the outlet to theblack-water tank.
 3. A portable wastewater treatment system as claimedin claim 2, further comprising: a potable water tank; a point of waterusage coupled to the potable water tank; and a fourth generatorpositioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to thepotable water tank.
 4. A method of treating wastewater in a portablesystem, comprising: providing wastewater to a holding tank that includesa gray-water tank; moving the wastewater from the gray-water tank to anon-potable water tank; moving wastewater from a toilet to a black-watertank; treating the wastewater in the holding tank with ozone, oxygen, ora combination of the two; treating the wastewater in the non-potablewater tank with ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two; and treatingthe wastewater in the black-water tank with ozone, oxygen, or acombination of the two.
 5. A method as claimed in claim 4, furthercomprising moving wastewater from the non-potable tank to the toilet. 6.A method as claimed in claim 5, further comprising: providing a potablewater tank; moving water from the potable water tank to a point of waterusage; and treating the water in the potable water tank with ozone,oxygen, or a combination of the two.
 7. A vehicle and wastewatertreatment system assembly comprising: a vehicle; a wastewater holdingtank mounted to the vehicle and having an interior adapted to holdwastewater, the wastewater holding tank including a gray-water tank; anon-potable water tank mounted to the vehicle and having an interior; ablack-water tank mounted to the vehicle and having an interior; a firstgenerator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of thetwo to the interior of the holding tank; a second generator positionedto provide ozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior ofthe non-potable water tank; a third generator positioned to provideozone, oxygen, or a combination of the two to the interior of theblack-water tank; a conduit coupling the gray-water tank to thenon-potable water tank; and a conduit coupling the black-water tank tothe non-potable water tank.
 8. A vehicle and wastewater treatment systemassembly as claimed in claim 7, further comprising: a toilet mounted tothe vehicle and having an inlet and an outlet; a first conduit couplingthe non-potable water tank to the inlet of the toilet; and a secondconduit coupling the outlet to the black-water tank.
 9. A vehicle andwastewater treatment system assembly as claimed in claim 8, furthercomprising: a potable water tank mounted to the vehicle; a point ofwater usage mounted to the vehicle and coupled to the potable watertank; and a fourth generator positioned to provide ozone, oxygen, or acombination of the two to the potable water tank.